The
AVS designed Mk3 demining blast apron is not a traditional, close-fitting
design of body armour. It does not have straps that pull the armour
to the body, but hangs comfortably from the shoulders to form
a blast-proof wall between the deminer and the device he is working
on. This is a principle that has proved effective in at least
fifty real prodding accidents where the deminer has beenwearing
the Mk1 or Mk3 apron.

Deminers
often have to put on and take off protective equipment many times
during a working day. Because the apron has no straps or fixings
it can be put on and off in a few seconds. Demining often takes
place in countries with a hot climate, making conventional military
armour very uncomfortable to wear all day. The AVS Apron has been
designed to allow air to circulate between the apron and the body,
helping the wearer remain cool.

The
collar overlaps a standard 5mm AVS
visor whenever the wearer is looking down. This stops
blast getting under the visor and threatening the wearers
throat. The combination, together with a flap that protects the
throat when the head is raised, offers very good blast protection
to the head, neck, torso, abdomen and groin.

Other
features include an ID pocket, name-tag, wipe-clean cover and
padded neck. For deminers who usually work upright, such as dog
handlers, the apron can be made longer -
or an extension that hangs down to the ankles can be used.